Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh is planning to start the season with Bradley Dack.

Last season’s League 1 player-of-the-year looked odds-on to leave Priestfield in the summer – and even Edinburgh admitted he was surprised to be naming Dack in his pre-season line-ups as the Gills prepare for a new stab at promotion to the Championship.

“It has surprised me (he’s here), that’s for sure, but it is what it is,” said Edinburgh. “His attitude has been immaculate and he has been first class.

“When it happens it will happen but he is here and it’s looking like he will be here, and that’s the way we will be planning.”

The Gills turned down an offer of around £2million from Bristol City six months ago but shortly after that the midfielder picked up an injury and the club’s promotion charge faltered.

Crystal Palace were linked with Dack earlier this summer but, for now, last season’s star man remains in place at Priestfield.

Edinburgh insisted that he must plan with the assumption that 22-year-old Dack will be involved when the Gills kick off their season on August 6 at Southend.

“I have to,” said the Gills boss. “He has been here for the start of pre-season, he is here now and has played the games.”

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